Youth Struggling for Survival: Like Father, Like Son

Moira Productions

Nationally acclaimed writer and poet Luis Rodriguez tells the story of his personal journey and transformation from an East Los Angeles gang member to teacher and mentor to Chicago’s street kids. Rodriguez’ mission to save his son, Ramiro—a member of a Chicago street gang—from prison is also documented, along with their struggle to heal their relationship scarred by Luis’ past neglect of his son. (35 minutes)

The Sheenway Experience: Tough Love

Moira Productions

Dolores Sheen runs the Sheenway School and Culture Center in the Watts section of Los Angeles, where poverty, racism, and lack of opportunity breed violence. In addition to academics, "Aunt Dolores," as she is called, teaches the children social survival skills, personal responsibility, and accountability. Sheen instills responsibility by asking students to reflect on the consequences of negative behavior. Students share their experiences at Sheenway, along with their personal aspirations for the future. (32 minutes)

Ending Domestic Violence: Healing the Family

Moira Productions

A victims' rights advocate tells the story of her carefree childhood and adolescence in Palo Alto, and her subsequent 18-month marriage in which she was beaten and nearly killed by an abusive husband. Today, she fulfills her personal vision of helping others. In this program, she counsels a mother of three, who is also involved in an abusive relationship. Scenes include court hearings, and emotional talks between the two women in which the advocate offers insights into the dynamics of spousal abuse. (28 minutes)

Soul Survivors

Moira Productions

After Clementine Barfield's son was murdered, she founded the Save Our Sons And Daughters organization in Detroit to combat violence. Today, she counsels victims of violence and teaches children how to create a more peaceful world. Her organization sponsors rallies and peace walks, and holds classes to teach children how to resolve arguments by using nonviolent methods. Barfield's door-to-door crusade against violence in neglected neighborhoods is documented by her daughter, Linda, who is also trying to cope with her brother's death. (26 minutes)

The Underground Railroad: Searching for Roots

Moira Productions

This program profiles the Underground Railroad, an Afrocentric Rites of Passage program for young black males in Columbus, Ohio. The organization's co-founder, Ha2Tim M.A.C.K-1-a former victim of violence-canvasses the streets and recruits young men to work with him to break the cycle of violence within the community. We see members of the Underground Railroad confronting the experiences of their slave ancestors in a rite called the Sankofa March. The rite encourages youths to cherish their own survival by paying homage to the contributions of their ancestors. Following Ha2Tim to the Million Man March held in 1995 in Washington, D.C., we see a growing commitment on the part of African-American men to take responsibility for their communities. (33 minutes)